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FAMILIES living in the shadow of two “humungous” warehouses say the buildings have destroyed their view and devalued their properties.

The colossal steel frames, which residents have likened to cruise ships, are part of a 350,000 sq ft industrial site that is dwarfing homes nearby.

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Residents in Tyldesley, Wigan, described being alarmed by the scale, and some are even considering moving.

Plans from developer PLP show the massive site will eventually be home to four vast warehouses, with the council agreeing to a maximum height of 18.3m (60ft) for two of those buildings.

Delivery giant Whistl has already snapped up one of the huge sheds, signing a 15-year deal on a 140,000 sq ft unit.

A council boss insisted landscaping would help soften the appearance, adding that the project followed proper planning processes.

But residents argued the final approved plans from were far bigger than had been originally designed.

They worried about the effect on property values, arguing there was limited consultation before building started.

John Peters, 71, a retired teacher, has lived on the estate since 1978. He said: “It’s a total shock when you walk out of the door.

“The enormity of the thing just strikes you. It shouldn’t be there.”

He said his dreams of a peaceful retirement were “shattered” by the arrival of the structure so close to his home.

A campaign group has been set up to rally neighbours and fight the development, with more than 200 people in attendance at a recent meeting.

Mr Peters claimed the way residents were informed about the project left many feeling blindsided.

He said: “A letter was sent out to 90 residents, but I don’t know how they selected those residents because some of the people who back onto the site didn’t get anything.

“It was just completely random.”

Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two kids in a house that backs onto the imposing warehouse.

She said: “It’s quite upsetting, because we used to have such a lovely view.

“We knew this was going to be built, but we thought it was going to be a lot smaller.

“As soon as the framework went up, everyone realised the height of it – it’s humungous. I’m worried it’s going to take all our sunlight.

“It’s like a cruise ship at the back of our garden. Even if we wanted to move, I think the value of the house has gone down.”

She raised concerns about damage in her home that she fears could be related to the warehouse’s size and proximity of construction work.

She said: “I noticed a dip in the flooring back in February and a big crack in the wall.”

Steve Retford, 69, said he no longer sits in the garden because of the structure that stands just 30m away – describing the impact as “profound”.

The retired police officer said: “It’s just dreadful. We feel this sense of injustice.

“I don’t profess to be a planning expert, but when you look at the sheer enormity of this, it’s not right.

“It must have taken tens of thousands of pounds off the value of our houses. Every time I think about it, I feel sick.”

Care worker Danielle Edwards, 38, fears the warehouse could make it difficult to sell her home in the future.

She said: “It’s awful. We bought this house because we’re a young family wanting to stay in the area.

“It would be very difficult to move. I can see it from my back garden. We thought they were going to be low-rise industrial units, but they’re not.”

Retired project manager Eric Earnshaw, 79, has lived in the Tyldesley area all his life but is now preparing to leave for the Lake District.

The keen dog walker said it’s because he’s had enough of constant building work.

He added: “There are walks that take me along fields in the area where there are plans for thousands of homes.

“All the green space around here is disappearing.”

Aidan Thatcher, director for place at Wigan Council, told The Sun: “This planning application went through our planning consultation and committee process.

“The final plans include landscaping which will help to screen and soften the appearance, and mitigate the impact on nearby properties.

“We will continue to monitor the site throughout construction, ensuring this development bringing new jobs and investment to the area is delivered properly.”

A spokesperson for PLP said they would not comment.

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A COUPLE are selling their £600k home in a raffle – with tickets costing just TWO pounds.

Aily Chalmers, 32, and her husband, Nathan, 35, say they were forced into the unusual decision because of the “disastrous” housing market.

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They initially put their four-bed detached home near Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, on the market, but were instantly put off.

The couple were told by their estate agent that they would have to cut the price, with a potential 18-month wait to make a sale.

Instead, they are selling 450,000 raffle tickets, with the winner set to receive the house free from stamp duty and fees.

Speaking on their “mad” venture, website designer Aily said: “We never thought we’d be doing something like this.

“But we want to move closer to family and just thought, ‘go for it.’

“All you can do is try in these situations and the house is basically just going to be given away.

“All stamp duty and other fees will be paid, and the winner won’t have to pay anything other than £2 for the ticket.

“The market is awful at the moment, and we’re looking to move ASAP.

“It sounds mad, but it’s a win-win for us and someone who gets to live in a four-bed house for £2.”

The home has three bathrooms, a study, a snug and an open-plan dining room-lounge.

Aily and Nathan moved into the then-new build seven years ago.

But when the pair’s fourth child was born, they decided they wanted to move closer to family in Hampshire for support.

The mum-of-four continued: “Nathan and I have been discussing moving out since last year.

“We looked into selling the house the traditional way.

“Our house is perfect at the moment and our budget is the same.

“The only downside of being here is that we have to drive miles and miles if we want to see our family.

“It sounds mad, but we’re really hoping we can pull it off.

“We had lots of Zoom calls with the company hosting the raffle, to iron out the legalities of it all and now the competition is live.”

The pair have already sold one per cent of tickets in a matter of days, raising £6,000.

Both her and Nathan are hoping to raise an extra £20,000 in spending money to cover additional costs.

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It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves is said to be considering a new tax on the sale of houses over £500,000.

But critics say the measures could weaken the property market by discouraging homeowners from downsizing and selling.

The proposed legislation would be part of a wider overhaul to stamp duty and council tax.

Slamming the proposed changes, Aily accused the Government of “punishing people who own property”.

She added: “I feel like it’s the whole property market at the moment.

“The government putting in all this new legislation just to get more money off people and sort of punishing people who own property.

“We couldn’t afford to keep this home mortgage when our mortgage rate doubled a couple of years ago.

“It’s terrible. I don’t know how some people are surviving. A lot more people are wanting to just rent.”

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LOCALS in “Britain’s most dangerous” say it has become overrun with knife-wielding kids who are making their lives hell.

In a children’s playground at 2pm on a weekday afternoon, two masked drug dealers bear down on our photographer, spitting threats.

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The two young men had seen him taking pictures in the town centre park and wanted to make sure they didn’t appear in them, one putting on a balaclava and the second pulling up the hood of his jacket.

After threatening to smash up his equipment, one of them explained the reason they were there.

“We’re here to f*** up your society by selling drugs to the white boys,” he snarls.

It’s an alarming – but perhaps not surprising – welcome to Middlesbrough, the Teesside town which now has the unenviable status of “Britain’s most dangerous”.

New Home Office statistics reveal that the town suffered 158 crimes per 1,000 people – or to put it another way, one person in six was the victim of crime in the past year.

The Community Safety Partnership stats show Middlesbrough was eclipsed only by Westminster (423 crimes per 1,000) and Camden (195) – although both have much higher populations.

Another survey, by Statista, found the Cleveland Police area, which includes Middlesbrough, has the highest per capita crime rate in the UK, followed by West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and the Met.

After encountering the town centre drug dealers, The Sun went to the crime-plagued Hemlington estate on the south western edge of the town to speak to locals.

The hot topic of the day was the suspension of bus routes to some parts of the estate due to stone and brick attacks by children aged as young as 10.

And another community facility, the Cleveland Huntsman pub, had just had its licence revoked after a man was allegedly stabbed and slashed in an altercation following a spate of criminal damage at the premises.

A number of knife-related cases from recent months are heading through the courts, including the murder of 28-year-old Jordan Hogg.

Four men and two youths deny stabbing him to death in the bleak Fonteyn Court.

It was also on Fonteyn Court that a 19-year-old man was stabbed on August 11 at 5.20pm – and within five minutes a 21-year-old man suffered the same fate on nearby Dalwood Court. 

There was a weary acceptance from locals.

“It’s sickening but at the same time it’s just bog standard,” says one elderly woman who stops to chat on Fonteyn Court.

The kids are carrying knives before they’ve left primary school and they learn from the older lads how to use them, the number of stabbings is out of control.

Resident in Fonteyn Court

“The kids are carrying knives before they’ve left primary school and they learn from the older lads how to use them, the number of stabbings is out of control.

“I’d say we need more bobbies, but they have no respect for authority. I mean, just look around you.”

She has a point. The street is split around 50/50 between occupied and boarded up houses. Disconcertingly, voices can be heard coming from behind some of the green shutters.

Mattresses are dumped on pavements and the remains of torched wheelie bins, sofas and shopping trolleys litter the deserted green areas where children might once have played.

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The one rare sign of cheer is that someone has placed a giant paddling pool at the centre of a grassy area, a hosepipe leading through the back gate of a neighbouring house.

People are loath to speak publicly for fear of reprisals, but one shopkeeper tells us “feral” kids are at the centre of the problems.

“You can see them lining up at the side of the road to bomb the buses with bricks,” he says.

“Some of them are tiny little kids, screaming and swearing as they chuck stones.”

Police travelling undercover on buses

The situation became so bad that officers from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team travelled undercover on buses in the area, leading to the arrest of a 10-year-old boy on suspicion of four counts of criminal damage and three counts of causing danger to road users. 

He was later referred to the Youth Offending Team while another boy aged 14 was identified and dealt with for separate offences.

Middlesbrough Council identified a further 10 kids involved in nuisance behaviour, with home visits and “diversionary activity referrals” doles out to their parents.

Acting Inspector Des Horton, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This operation not only helps us to identify those involved in these incidents, but also allows us to build up intelligence and provide reassurance to the drivers of the buses that are being targeted.”

In an unconnected incident, two teenagers have been charged with attempted murder after a 17-year-old was stabbed in the estate’s Phoenix Park in May.

And on August 14, a dozen police vehicles swarmed the estate after a police officer was injured as he responded to reports of a man in possession of a knife.

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An arrest was made following a five-hour stand-off in which cups, bricks and chairs were hurled in the direction of emergency workers.

Chinese takeaway owner Wailan Lau, 48, has lived in Hemlington for the past 25 years.

He told The Sun: “It has got worse and worse over the years, the number of stabbings we see now is completely out of control, it never used to be like this.

“Where I live is fine, I have the same neighbours I have had for years and it is a proper community, everyone looks out for each other.

“But some parts of the estate are just dangerous, so much so that buses and taxis will not go down those streets.

“A lot of the problems we face are down to drugs and in a lot of cases it is drug dealers fighting drug dealers, but sometimes innocent people get caught up in that, which is scary.

“Kids seem to carry knives all the time and the ones who do are getting younger. 

“It’s sad to see this town become one of the worst places in the country for crime because it’s a good place full of good people, unfortunately parts of it have become dangerous.”

Asked whether he knew anyone who had recently been a victim of crime, 17-year-old Harvey Wilson initially shook his head and then suddenly remembered: “Oh yeah, I was held at knifepoint.”

The casual way he recounts a terrifying encounter is chilling.

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Harvey, who hopes to become a carpet fitter when he finishes his studies, said: “I’d just gone for a walk near Albert Park in the town and two lads stopped me and pulled a knife.

“Thankfully I’d left my phone at home and didn’t have any money so they just walked away.

“I’ve been able to forget it pretty quickly but I suppose it is quite scary how many people carry knives. I never would but people do.

“There are areas where you know not to go and if you keep yourself to yourself you probably won’t get any trouble, it’s the people who try to make a name for themselves who end up getting hurt.

“If your name gets known you’ll end up getting hurt.”

Things are getting worse and there are way too many young kids getting killed and injured with knives or getting involved with drugs.

John Clark, 82Middlesbrough resident

In the Parkway Centre, just outside Hemlington, John Clark, 82, reflects on the change in his home town over the course of his lifetime.

He started his working life as a hand rammer making sand castings at steel foundry on the river Tees.

John said: “That was my life, working in steel works and foundries and all of that has gone, there’s nothing left of the industry that built the town and that’s a big part of its problems.

“When I was a kid we had prospects and there was work to pay us a wage and keep us occupied, now the young people have nothing.”

He nods down at his young grandson in the buggy he’s leaning on and says: “I don’t worry for myself when I go about in Middlesbrough but I worry for him and younger members of the family.

“Things are getting worse and there are way too many young kids getting killed and injured with knives or getting involved with drugs.

“The brand new sports shop near us got ram raided the other night as soon as it opened by people in flatbed trucks. The place was left in a right mess and he lost all his new stock.”

Rebecca Green, 40, agreed that poverty plays a part in MIddlesbrough’s crime epidemic.

She said: “We live in a part of the world that has high levels of deprivation and that feeds the crime rate, when people are struggling to live they do desperate things.”

Student Shay Thorpe, 18, hopes to be a social worker.

“I’d move away if I could,” she says. “Even though I have always lived here, there are some parts of the town that I wouldn’t go.

“The town centre is scary and you can see from looking round that there’s a major drug problem there.”

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IF you’re wondering where your money’s going each month, it might not be big bills or bad luck to blame but small, repeated mistakes that add up fast.

From letting your savings sit in low-interest accounts, to underestimating the real cost of long mortgage terms, financial experts warn that common habits could be quietly emptying your bank accounts.

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We asked money experts and behavioural scientists to reveal the biggest habits that are holding people back.

1. Not knowing what’s coming in and going out

It’s hard to feel in control of your money when you don’t know where it’s actually going.

Many people assume they have a rough idea, but the reality is that forgotten subscriptions, auto-renewing services and small daily purchases quickly add up.

Without visibility, your budget can slowly unravel, and by the time you realise, you’ve slipped into the red.

Vix Leyton, consumer expert at Thinkmoney, says the fix starts with routine: “Take time to know what your outgoings are and what is coming in.

“Some apps, like Thinkmoney, offer a snapshot of what you’re spending, and can even ringfence bill money for you so you don’t accidentally end up facing penalties and late fees.”

Even a five-minute weekly check-in can help avoid nasty surprises and highlight where cutbacks are needed.

2. Living without a savings buffer

It’s hard to save money – but not having a buffer can leave you exposed to high credit when you need cash quickly.

Whether it’s a broken boiler, a car that won’t start or a sudden cut in hours at work, not having a cushion means falling back on credit cards or payday loans just to stay afloat.

The result is a constant feeling of stress, and a budget that can be thrown off by the smallest shock.

Thomas Mathar, behavioural researcher and host of The Money:Mindshift Podcast, says a little slack goes a long way.

He said: “Even a modest buffer, like one month’s rent, can give you the breathing space to make better decisions and avoid high-cost debt.

“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about having mental and financial slack when life throws you a curveball.”

3. Letting debt pile up month after month

More and more people have credit card debt, which means it can be easy to think it’s business as usual, especially when the minimum payments are low.

But ultimately, you’re paying interest to the bank instead of putting that money toward your own goals. Over time, that can add up to hundreds or even thousands of pounds in lost savings.

“Too many people accept credit card debt as a normal state of affairs. It’s not,” says Mathar.

“Paying down high-interest debt quickly is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term well being. It’s buying yourself back freedom, and peace of mind.”

If you’re juggling multiple debts, focus on the most expensive ones first and look into 0% balance transfer options if your credit score allows.

4. Having psychological armour to support you

In the age of side hustles and flashy online success stories, it’s tempting to ditch steady work for riskier pursuits.

But without a reliable income it’s hard to build long-term security.

Inconsistent earnings often mean falling behind on bills, using credit to bridge the gap, and struggling to plan ahead.

Mathar warns that it’s important to have some sort of regular income, even if you’re pursuing other hustles on the side.

He says: “A steady income isn’t just about covering bills, it’s psychological armour.

“When you’re living month-to-month or under-earning compared to your potential, the stress compounds.

“You don’t need to chase big money, but you do need income that’s ‘good enough’ to support a resilient, happy life.”

5. Leaving savings in a dead-end account

You might feel good about putting money aside, but if it’s sitting in an easy-access account earning barely any interest, your savings are losing value in real terms.

With inflation still high, the cost of leaving cash in low-yield accounts is higher than many realise.

Adam French, head of news at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, says this mistake is all too common.

Adam said: “The likes of HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Santander, NatWest and Barclays all have easy access accounts paying around 1.1 to 1.2 per cent interest, far below the typical returns savers could expect, which is currently 3.51 per cent.”

The top performing options can pay even more, and shopping around and switching accounts only takes a few minutes online.

6. Not making the most of your ISA allowance

More savers than ever are being hit with tax bills they could have avoided.

Frozen tax thresholds mean that even modest savers can end up over the personal savings allowance, paying tax on any interest they earn.

That means, if you’re not using your ISA allowance, you’re potentially giving money away for free.

French explains: “Saving and investing are some of the best ways to build wealth over time.

“But it’s important that savers are aware of their tax liability on any profits they make – which can add up over the course of a few years.

Plenty of savers can avoid this tax bill by making use their yearly ISA allowances.

You can save or invest up to £20,000 a year tax-free, and every pound sheltered from tax is a pound that keeps working for you.

7. Only saving for retirement, and nothing else

Putting money into a pension is smart, but it shouldn’t be your only savings plan.

Many people now take career breaks, retrain, care for relatives or start businesses, and those transitions need funding too.

Mathar says ignoring this reality can leave people exposed.

“We don’t live three-stage lives anymore – education, work, retirement… A ‘transition fund’ – even just a few months’ salary – makes those big life pivots possible without financial panic.”

8. Being too harsh on yourself when things go wrong

Money mistakes happen. But too often, people fall into a cycle of guilt and avoidance, especially if they’re already struggling.

That mindset can stop you from facing your finances or reaching out for help, which only makes things worse in the long run.

Mathar believes the solution starts with self-empathy. “Here’s the truth: we’re all a bit messed up when it comes to money.

Our brains are wired for short-term wins, not long-term planning.

The goal isn’t to be perfect with money; it’s to build enough slack, mental and financial, so that one mistake or setback doesn’t knock you flat.”

9. Not overpaying your mortgage when you could

With mortgage rates still high and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are choosing longer terms to keep monthly payments manageable.

But unless you’re also making overpayments, that strategy can come at a serious long-term cost.

French says small changes now can lead to huge savings later: “Overpaying by £200 per month on that same £250,000 40-year mortgage could shave almost 13 years off the mortgage term, saving them around £123,000 in interest payments.

“This is all without being tied to having to consistently make higher payments every single month – boosting the flexibility of their budget and their financial resilience.”

Most lenders allow up to 10 per cent overpayment each year.

Even £50 a month can help you become mortgage-free sooner and pay far less in interest overall.

WASHINGTON — The agency that oversees Voice of America and other government-funded international broadcasters is eliminating more than 500 employees, the Trump administration has announced, a move that could ratchet up a months-long legal challenge over the news outlets’ fate.

Kari Lake, acting chief executive of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, VOA’s oversight agency, announced the latest round of job cuts late Friday, one day after a federal judge blocked her from removing Michael Abramowitz as VOA director.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth had ruled separately that the Trump administration had failed to show how it was complying with his orders to restore VOA’s operations. His order Monday gave the administration “one final opportunity, short of a contempt trial,” to demonstrate its compliance. He ordered Lake to sit for a deposition by lawyers for agency employees by Sept. 15.

On Thursday, Lamberth said Abramowitz could not be removed without the approval of the majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. Firing Abramowitz would be “plainly contrary to law,” according to Lamberth, who was nominated to the bench by President Reagan.

Lake posted a statement on social media that said her agency had initiated a reduction in force, or RIF, eliminating 532 jobs for full-time government employees. She said the agency “will continue to fulfill its statutory mission after this RIF — and will likely improve its ability to function.”

“I look forward to taking additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of a very broken agency and make sure America’s voice is heard abroad where it matters most,” she wrote.

A group of agency employees who sued to block VOA’s elimination said Lake’s move would give their colleagues 30 days until their pay and benefits end.

“We find Lake’s continued attacks on our agency abhorrent,” they said in a statement. “We are looking forward to her deposition to hear whether her plan to dismantle VOA was done with the rigorous review process that Congress requires. So far we have not seen any evidence of that.”

In June, layoff notices were sent to more than 600 agency employees. Abramowitz was placed on administrative leave along with almost the entire VOA staff. He was told he would be fired effective Aug. 31.

The administration said in a court filing Thursday that it planned to send RIF notices to 486 employees of Voice of America and 46 other agency employees but intended to retain 158 agency employees and 108 VOA employees. The filing said the global media agency had 137 “active employees” and 62 other employees on administrative leave, while VOA had 86 active employees and 512 others on administrative leave.

Lake’s agency also oversees Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba. The networks, which together reach an estimated 427 million people, date to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations designed to extend U.S. influence and combat authoritarianism.

Kunzelman writes for the Associated Press.

CHRONIC shortages of builders, plumbers and plasterers are making it ever harder to build the homes, schools and hospitals we need.

But today we publish a Government-backed list of construction apprenticeships to help YOU learn a trade, whatever your age or background.

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It is part of The Sun on Sunday’s Builder Better Britain campaign, praised recently by Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson.

With thousands of young people out of work as shops and pubs stop hiring, the Government is pumping £100million into courses to help train the 12.8 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds currently not in education, employment or training – NEETs.

So now is the time to build YOUR career.

After we ran a similar pullout last year, scores applied for placements and the success stories included 18-year-old Brooke Knight.

She said: ‘It gives a skill for life, there are no college fees and you can earn thousands a week after tax.”

Check out our pullout for 110 jobs in all areas of the construction industry . . . 

TO APPLY GO TO gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship using company name and postcode

North West

Business Administrator Apprentice

Watson Construction Ltd

Motivated individual to join our small, supportive team to help us deliver a great service to our clients and their homeowners.

You will support the team with enquiries, admin tasks and aftercare, whilst learning on the job.

If you’re organised, friendly and ready to grow with a leader homebuilder we want to hear from you.

£18,000 a year.

Salford (M7 2ZS). Closes Sep 19, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Construction Maintenance Operative

Edward Anthony Ltd

Enthusiastic individual who wants to learn and train.

Role requires physical labour such as lifting, carrying materials, assisting set-up/close down of work areas, ability to take direction to ensure safe working standards, and ability to work as a team.

Role is predominantly a labouring position.

£11,778 for first year, then could rise depending on your age.

Birkenhead, Wirral (CH41 9AH).

Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.

Building Materials Apprenticeship

Joseph Parr (Alco) Ltd

Designed for supply-chain warehouse operative who wants to be upskilled to understand and get involved in the entire distribution operation, including picking, loading, unloading, booking in, safety and recycling and virtual learning. £17,667 a year.

Manchester (M27 8SN).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Bench Joiner

A J & D Chapelhow (Cliburn) Ltd

Seeking a motivated, detail-oriented apprentice to join our team specialising in manufacture of high-quality timber windows and doors.

Will have a strong interest in woodworking, basic understanding of joinery tools and technique, and commitment to developing practical skills in a workshop environment.

£15,704 a year.

Penrith, Cumbria (CA10 3AL).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Apprentice Bricklayer

MSP Projects Ltd

Enthusiastic individual to join our growing team and learn from industry experts.

Work toward your Level 2 bricklayer apprenticeship qualification, in a close team.

Wage, £11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Knutsford, Cheshire (WA16 8RW).

Closes Sep 23, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Landscaper

Ashbourne Garden and Property Maintenance

Motivated, hardworking apprentice to join our team.

Role involves cutting grass, trimming hedges, and weeding.

Candidate should have a passion for outdoor work, a keen eye for detail, and a desire to learn and grow in the landscaping industry.

£14,526.20 a year.

Stockport (SK7 6DW).

Closes Oct 1, start Oct 6.

Apprentice Landscape Gardener

Distinctive Gardens Ltd

Learn how to design, build and maintain outdoor spaces, combining practical skills with creative design to create gardens, driveways and landscaped areas.

£15,600 a year.

Lancaster (LA2 0RD).

Closes Sept 28, start Oct 13.

Business Administration Apprentice

Construction Resources

Specialist recruitment company within the built environment sector seeks a motivated, organised apprentice to support our team with a variety of administrative and operational tasks.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Liverpool (L22 0PJ).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 4.

Apprentice Fenestration Installer (Level 2)

Everglaze Ltd

Installers here often work as part of small teams, on jobs for small shop owners, landlords, tenants and home owners, or on large-scale projects for developers.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Wigan (WN5 8QJ).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Business Administrator Apprentice

Watson Construction Ltd

Motivated individual to join our small, supportive team to help us deliver a great service to our clients and their homeowners.

Support the team with handling enquiries, admin tasks and aftercare – all while learning on the job.

If you’re an organised person, friendly and ready to grow with a leader homebuilder, we want to hear from you.

£18,000 a year.

Salford (M7 2ZS).

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Stonemason

Bullen Conservation Ltd

Excellent opportunity for an apprentice with a conservation business specialising in heritage skills.

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Oldham (OL1 3NN).

Closes Sep 21. Start to be determined.

B&Q Customer Advisor Apprenticeship

Bamber Bridge

Become an expert advisor, who gets to know each customer and their home-improvement project.

Sales is important, of course, as is managing stock, setting up displays and keeping a shop looking great.

£10,575 a year.

Preston (PR5 6BZ).

Closes Sept 2, start Sep 9.

Grounds & Garden Apprentice

Sedbergh School, Cumbria

The gardening team here provide pupils, staff and visitors with gardens commensurate with Sedbergh’s long- standing reputation as a leading independent school.

Tasks will vary daily, determined by the assistant grounds manager or head gardener and will include use of hand tools and light machinery to maintain the gardens.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Sedbergh (LA10 5HG).

Closes Sep 7, start Sep 22.

‘Opening for military vets and ex-offenders’

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TO match the Government’s £100million for training courses, the National House Building Council is injecting the same.

They are looking to get more young people into construction, but also other groups including ex-military and people who have been in prison.

Roger Morton, Director of Business Change at the NHBC, said: “The industry needs more than 250,000 construction workers by 2028 to meet demand and build the 10,000 new homes we need. We need 2,500 brickies, 2,500 groundworkers and 1,000 carpenters and that’s why we’re investing £100million. We’re investing in 12 new NHBC multi-skilled training hubs across the country, to support 3,000 apprenticeships each year. We are targeting young people but also career changers, veterans, ex-offenders. We provide a unique, immersive facility where we can train people in 14 to 18 months, many with distinctions. That’s nearly twice as fast as traditional routes.

“We need to change perception so people see that being a trade is a great career. The average bricklayer earns £50,000, and they might progress to management, senior management, director. A colleague began as an apprentice and runs a 230-strong department.”

North East

Groundworker Apprentice

WL Straughan & Son

Seeking a keen, willing-to-learn apprentice to learn all aspects of the trade.

£15,311.40 a year.

Bedlington Lane Farm, Northumberland (NE22 6AA).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Property Maintenance Apprentice

Simpson & Hill Construction Ltd

Be part of a well-established and highly recommended building company based in Stokesley, North Yorks that covers all aspects of construction throughout Co Durham & North Yorks.

Looking for an apprentice to a busy team.

£15,311.40 a year.

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Machining/Tool Room Apprentice

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Ltd

Earn as you learn with this major employer.

Training is underpinned by practical experience.

£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

North Shields, Tyne and Wear (NE27 0QH).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Joiner

Andy Dunbar Joinery

Work for a premium company, experts in bespoke design and manufacture of handmade architectural joinery.

Looking for an apprentice to join a busy team.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Middlesbrough (TS2 1DY).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 15.

Conventional Machining Apprentice

Clifton Engineering (NE) Ltd

Fantastic opportunity for a manual machining apprentice to join this fantastic team based in Morpeth, and earn while you learn.

Your training will be underpinned with practical experience which will prepare you for an exciting career.

Wage, £14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Northumberland (NE61 6JN).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 13.

Signage Apprentice Technician

Alan Rowe Signs and Graphics

Offering a route into a potential full-time career within a family-run business.

We specialise in creating signs and custom graphics for vehicles, with over 40 years’ experience.

Offering the opportunity to work in a hands-on role within the business and achieve a qualification in the process.

£17,550 a year.

Tyne and Wear (NE6 4QL).

Closes Sep 12, Start Sep 15.

Groundwork Apprentice

Meldrum Group

Northern Skills are recruiting for Meldrum Group.

This will allow you to gain on-the-job experience while studying toward a Level 2 property maintenance apprenticeship qualification.

£15,311.40 a year.

Stockton-on-Tees (TS18 3TX).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 9.

Apprentice Design & Development Engineer

Elfab Ltd

Learn and develop skills within a range of engineering, technical and design expertise.

Duties include concept feasibility, design, development, launch and production.

Additional activities include rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and performance analysis.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

North Shields, Tyne and Wear (NE29 8SD).

Closes Sep 13, start Sep 22.

Administrative Apprentice

In Charge Construction Ltd

Northern Skills are recruiting on behalf of In Charge Construction Limited who are looking for a motivated candidate to join their team.

Learn the role of a business administrator while also gaining a qualification.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Darlington (DL1 4FA).

Closes Sep 29, start Oct 6.

Wood Product Manufacturing Apprentice

Balmoral Joinery

Passionate about working with your hands to create quality wood products?

Join our Wood Product Manufacturing Apprenticeship at Balmoral Joinery and gain experience in a dynamic environment.

Grow your skills, master your craft, and become part of a team that values tradition, precision and innovation.

£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Swalwell, Tyne and Wear (NE16 3AD).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Welder Fabricator Apprentice

Shell Engineering

Work with metals including steel and aluminium, learning welding, fabrication and use of precision tools.

£14,918.80 a year.

Chester-le-Street, Co Durham (DH2 1AJ).

Closes Sep 6, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Welder/Fabricator

Bulkhaul Ltd

Looking for an enthusiastic, reliable, punctual candidate, ideally in their second year of college.

This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and to be able to follow safety protocols.

There is the opportunity of a full-time role upon completion, pending a review of progress/performance while on the apprenticeship.

£17,680 a year.

Middlesbrough (TS2 1PS).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Welding and Workshop Technician

Aliweld Ltd

Be responsible for supporting fabrication and assembly of aluminium tipper and waggon bodies under the supervision of experienced welders.

Ideal for someone with a keen interest in engineering, a strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow in a skilled trade.

£17,926.96 a year.

Newcastle upon Tyne (NE40 3DG). Closes Sep 2, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker

Boyd Ductwork Ltd

Learn from sheet-metal workers and fabricators, and about how to read drawings, select steel and prepare materials for ductwork projects.

Given the start times, this would suit a local candidate or one with access to their own transport.

£14,918.80 a year.

Blaydon on Tyne (NE21 5SD). Closes Sep 12, start Sep 16.

Business Administration Apprentice

In Charge Construction Ltd

A great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a busy office team.

The apprentice will help with a broad range of administrative tasks covering many aspects of the business.

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Darlington (DL1 4FA).

Closes Sep 12, start Oct 1.

‘I love to learn and earn’

5

SHE is sleight of figure, so many think Tegan Pryor is joking when she tells them she’s a builder.

But having ditched a leisure-centre job to study bricklaying at college, the hard grafter is now backing our Build A Better Britain campaign to urge more young people to take up a trade.

Tegan, 23, from Shefford, Beds, said: “I started training as a bricklayer three years ago and honestly, I’ve never looked back.

“It is 100 per cent the right career for me. I was a lifeguard and receptionist at a leisure centre before but there wasn’t much career opportunity, it felt like a dead end.

“Now, I get to work outdoors and have a laugh with my colleagues – and I’m not treated any differently because I’m a woman.

“There is respect, and I learn something new every day.

“I’m on about £130 a day for an eight-and-a-half hour shift and some days it’s hard, but it’s also satisfying when you look back on what you achieved.

“The average wage for a bricklayer is about £50,000 a year and that’s what I’m heading towards.”

Yorkshire & The Humber

Apprentice Construction Quantity Surveyor

Sum ADR Limited

Join this independent consultancy adjudication/Q/S firm.

Role combines on-the-job training with structured learning to gain job-specific skills.

Earn a wage and receive holiday pay, while working alongside experienced staff and dedicating time to relevant study.

£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year.

Wetherby, West Yorks (LS23 6FJ). Closes Sep 11, start Oct 30.

Apprentice Assistant Site (Level 3) Manager

Greenchurch Developments

Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures has teamed up with Greenchurch Developments to offer this exciting opportunity.

If you want to work with a company that values quality, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification, apply today.

£15,704 a year.

Doncaster (DN6 8QA).

Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.

Building Services Design Engineer Apprentice

Hoare Lea LLP

Collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of specialists.

Be part of progressive and exciting projects, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors.

Advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured career paths framework.

Wage £24,250 a year. Leeds (LS2 8LY). Closes Oct 31, start Jan 3.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

Greenchurch Developments

Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures has partnered with Greenchurch Developments to offer this opportunity to work for their company.

If you are wanting to work with a company that values quality, whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification. £16,881.80 a year.

Doncaster (DN6 8QA).

Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.

Construction Management Apprenticeship

Lovell Regen

Partnered with Lovell Regen, EN:Able Futures is offering an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, whilst working toward a Level 3 construction support technician qualification.

£15,410 a year.

Doncaster (DN6 8QA).

Closes Sep 4, start Sep 8.

Business Administration Apprentice

Dutton FM

Exciting opportunity to work for Dutton Group, specifically facility managers Dutton FM, as a business administrator within a small team, friendly team.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Wakefield, West Yorks (WF1 2ED).

Closes Sep 6, start Sep 8.

Engineering Fitter Apprentice

Trivent

Long-standing manufacturer of kitchen ventilation systems is looking for the newest engineering talent to join its operation in Leeds.

This apprenticeship leads you to become a skilled engineer within the company’s mechanical fitting department.

Candidates must be 18-plus, due to the nature of work.

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Leeds (LS11 0EF).

Closes Sep 2, start Sep 8.

Apprentice Assistant Site Manager (Level 3)

Huber Parking

Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures are partnering with Huber Parking to look for an apprentice manager to join their busy team.

Working on the Calderdale Royal Hospital site, you will learn everything to get you through your nationally recognised qualification. £16,588 a year.

Halifax, West Yorks (HX3 0PW).

Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

GS Kelsey Construction

Apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures are partnering with GS Kelsey to support the delivery of new-build housing.

Fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to become part of a growing team.

£16,784 a year.

Rotherham, South Yorks (S66 8DW).

Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.

‘You can make £300 a day’

5

HE was toying with going to university but the prospect of three more years’ book study, and the debt, swung Lucas Robinson to learn a trade.

Lucas, 25, from Nottingham, did a two-and-a-half year bricklaying course at Derby College, while working on sites for his employer at £170 a week.

He said of bricklaying: “I’ve been doing this for four years and the company I work for is all over the country. Bricklaying is what you make of it. You can start at 8am, finish at 3pm and make £300 a day, depending on the deal. I’ve been doing ‘price bricklaying’ for a while, paid 65p a brick and about £150 a day, but I hear you can make £1 a brick in London.

“Eight hours is a long day carrying bricks and it can be stressful when things are not going right, but I love my job. My dad’s a bricklayer too.

“My mum wanted to push me down the uni route, but I decided on a different path and I’m so happy.

“Looking at a house and thinking, I built that and people are going to live in it, it’s a good feeling.”

East Midlands

Estimator

FP McCann

Undertake the tasks involved within the estimating process, from measuring and doing take-offs, to producing quotations for external customers.

An estimator creates quotations based on drawings, listing products and costs for customer orders.

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age.

Derbyshire (DE6 4PH).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 30.

Apprentice Fabricator/Welder Metal Fabricator

James Engineering

We pride ourselves on family values – the company was founded by the grandfather of the current owner.

Our mission is simple: to provide high-quality services without compromising on quality.

We are seeking an apprentice fabricator/welder to join our team.

Learn all aspects of steel- welding including MIG, TIG and MMA.

Wage £17,238 a year.

Alfreton (DE55 7JR).

Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.

Maintenance Apprentice Engineer

Gordon Ellis & Co

Opportunity for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our maintenance team.

The successful candidate will work alongside our skilled maintenance engineers to develop a broad range of practical engineering skills.

£17,550 a year.

Derby (DE74 2PY).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Warehouse Operative Apprentice

International Abrasives Ltd

Join our growing business where hard work is recognised and development encouraged.

Pick, pack and ship orders, unload and restock deliveries, keep the warehouse organised and support stock control.

A strong work ethic is essential.

£14,133.60 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Leicester (LE9 6TJ).

Closes Sep 16, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Estimator

James Engineering Constructions Ltd

Opportunity to join this family business.

You will be part of the estimating team, working in a busy office, supporting the supervisor and sales director.

£17,162.60 a year.

Alfreton (DE55 7JR).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Cabinet Maker

Alias Industries Ltd

Enrol on a furniture- manufacturing apprenticeship with Leicester College.

You will be trained as a cabinet maker/bench joiner, working in a modern workshop environment to produce high-end, bespoke furniture and displays for domestic and retail sectors.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase.

Peckleton, Leicester (LE9 7RN).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

Hardware Engineer Apprentice

Brick Ltd

You will help construction colleagues to get the most value from their tech tools, rectifying any faults and providing advice about a wide range of hardware and related software.

We are looking for someone who has great hardware knowledge as well as impressive customer service skills.

£20,000 a year. Leicestershire (LE67 6HS).

Closes Sep 23, start Oct 1.

Health, Safety and Environment Apprentice

Mecc Alte (UK) Ltd

Exciting opportunity for a motivated apprentice to work within our Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (GHSE) department to help ensure that compliance measures are adhered to within the company.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Oakham, East Mids (LE15 6RF).

Closes Sep 5, start Oct 1.

Machinist – Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice

Metrol Springs Ltd

Full-time employment, with day-release training, offering a competitive salary and 21 days’ paid holiday as well as bank holidays.

Based in Northampton, Metrol Springs is the UK’s largest manufacturer of gas springs.

Metrol is part of the PLC Lesjofors Group.

Our group includes almost 40 manufacturing and sales companies in many countries.

£19,760 a year.

Northampton (NN3 6QF).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

GS Kelsey Construction

Apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures is partnering with GS Kelsey Construction to support delivery of new-build housing.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to become part of a dynamic and growing team.

£16,784 a year.

Scunthorpe, Lincs (DN16 2HF).

Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.

‘I’m problem solving daily’

5

DILIGENT Dan Smoker has been a builder for 18 years and reckons the trade is going from strength to strength so there’s good money to be made for those with the right skills.

Dan, 34, from Epsom, Surrey, said: “I did bricklaying at college and after that went into being a multi-trader.

“Now I run my own company and business is good. If someone needs a new kitchen or bathroom, they call me.

“I work on word-of-mouth so don’t have to advertise, and my niche is the maintenance side of things. It’s been a fantastic career for me because you rarely work for the same person and you’re dealing with a range of issues and problems.

“You are problem-solving every day and the bit I like is when you do the work, stand back and see the customer is happy. You feel really proud of what you’ve done. It’s a feeling of immense satisfaction.

“You’ve got to turn up, want to learn the craft then do it properly, and it will come – all the trades are on the up right now.”

West Midlands

Apprentice Joiner Carpenter (Level 2)

Middleton Traditional Joinery Ltd

Looking to recruit a motivated apprentice to support our growing business needs.

Your role will allow you to gain hands-on experience working alongside skilled professionals, learning the craft of carpentry and the processes involved in producing precision-manufactured components.

We are seeking someone who takes pride in their work.

£15,704 a year. West Coppice Road,

Walsall (WS8 7HB).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 8.

Plumbing & Heating Apprentice (Level 3)

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

A great opportunity to work alongside our existing Trades staff, getting hand-on experience and travelling across Sandwell.

You will be trained in all aspects of plumbing and domestic heating work, such as installing bathrooms and kitchens, replacing pipework and fixing leaks and repairs – all whilst undertaking a Level 3 qualification.

Wage £14,526.20 a year.

Oldbury (B69 3ES).

Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

GS Kelsey Construction

Partnering with award-winning apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures, this new-build housing provider is offering a fantastic opportunity for you to become part of their growing team.

£16,784 a year.

Gainsborough, Lincs (DN21 1SJ).

Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.

Apprentice Grounds Maintenance Operative

Brass Facilities

Seeking an apprentice to join our hardworking mobile gardening department that works on our various contracts in the Midlands Area.

The successful candidate will be cutting grass and hedges and dealing with maintenance duties.

£16,640 a year.

Wednesbury (WS10 0PD).

Closes Sep 5, start date Sep 8.

Bricklayer Apprentice (Level 2)

All Britain Construction Ltd

Join a driven construction team with an impressive client portfolio.

This is a full-time position, in an environment that will allow the right person to unlock their potential.

If you have the right attitude – either with the experience or determination to learn how to perform and grow with a winning team – then this is the role for you.

£15,704 a year.

Worcester (WR5 2PT).

Closes tomorrow, start Oct 1.

Apprentice Production Technician.

Narros Aisle Ltd

Looking for an apprentice to work as part of a skilled team, in a dynamic and growing company.

Narros Aisle Ltd are recruiting for our team at our production facility in the West Midlands.

You will play a crucial role within the production unit, ensuring that products meet our high-quality standards.

The role will involve you in learning about assembly, maintenance and repair of our forklift trucks.

£15,311.40 a year.

Tipton (DY4 7AU).

Closes Sep 4, start Sep 18.

Apprentice Carpenter

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside our existing trades staff, getting hands-on carpentry experience while travelling across the Sandwell Borough.

You will be trained in all aspects of carpentry work while undertaking a Level 2 apprenticeship qualification.

£14,526.20 a year.

Oldbury (B69 3ES).

Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.

Apprentice Painter & Decorator (Level 2)

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Great opportunity to work alongside our existing trades staff, getting hands-on experience and travelling across the Sandwell borough.

You will be trained in all aspects of painting and decorating, whilst undertaking a Level 2 qualification.

Wage £14,526.20 a year.

Oldbury (B69 3ES).

Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.

Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprentice (Level 3)

Hadley Group

Looking for a metal-forming manufacturing technician apprentice to gain the knowledge and competence required to effectively operate at semi-skilled or skilled operator status.

You will carry out a range of engineering and manufacturing processes within the cold-rolling environment.

£15,743 a year.

West Midlands (B66 2PA).

Closes Sep 2, start Sep 15.

Production Operative Apprentice

Frederick Cooper

Looking for someone excited to start their successful career in the manufacturing sector, with opportunity to specialise in several different roles including wet-paint spraying, powder-coating, polishing, business administration and more.

£15,392 a year.

Birmingham (B9 4TS).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 29.

Landscaping Apprentice

Flagstone and Flora Ltd

Experience all aspects of landscaping, including laying slabs, setting levels and installing decking.

Learn about paving, fencing, and woodwork, and brick and block work to build retaining walls, garden walls and raised beds.

£15,704 for the first year, then could increase depending on age.

Evesham, Worcs (WR11 8PR).

Closes Sep 2, start Sep 9.

East of England

Apprentice Electrical Draughtsman

Nordson Test & Inspection

The company has a strong portfolio of award-winning products for destructive and non-destructive mechanical testing, as well as the inspection of electronic components.

If you are keen on building your knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, then join our research and development team in Colchester and experience product innovation first hand.

£14,820.65 to £23,968.23 a year.

Essex (CO4 9AS).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 8.

Apprentice Fitter (Level 3)

DXB Pump & Power Ltd

We are a leading pump-manufacturing company focusing on their customers.

Our main objective is to design and manufacture high-quality pump sets that offer outstanding reliability.

We have a reputation for exceptional customer service, backed by a large selection of quality pump products.

£19,500 a year.

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk (IP30 9HR).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker

Fine Line Sheet Metal Engineering Ltd

Start your career with a well-established sheet-metal engineering company.

As an apprentice, you’ll receive hands-on training, develop a wide range of practical skills, and gain a solid understanding of the industry.

With guidance from experienced professionals, you’ll build the foundations for a rewarding and long-term career in engineering.

£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year.

Essex (CM7 2YN).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 4.

Multi-Skilled Engineering Apprentice

Trivium Packaging

Swarm Group is working with Trivium Packaging in their search for a Level 3 maintenance and operations engineering technician apprentice.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a robust work environment and gain valuable skills to become a multi-skilled engineer.

£20,000 a year.

Norwich (NR7 9AZ).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 15.

Apprenticeship in CNC Machining (four years)

NE Engineering

Fast-growing manufacturing facility that offers the ideal environment for candidates to learn the required skills in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing.

The successful candidate will be trained to set, operate and programme the latest technology.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone to get into engineering.

Competitive wage.

Norwich (NR13 6LJ).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

TML Precision Engineering Ltd

You will become integral to an already established team, and be exposed to all areas of the business to grow and develop knowledge and expertise.

£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age.

Hethel, Norfolk (NR14 8QR). Closes Sep 12, start Jan 1.

Apprentice Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician

SA Tooley Ltd

Shadowing/assisting qualified engineers, to develop your skills and knowledge in all aspects of the plumbing and domestic heating work carried out by the company.

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age.

Scratby, Norfolk (NR29 3LW).

Closes Sep 12, start Jan 1.

Estimating Apprentice

Loughton Contracts PLC

Seeking a motivated and detail-orientated individual to support our fit-out estimating and sales team in preparing accurate, cost-effective bids for commercial flooring projects.

This is an exciting entry-level opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-performing environment, working within the construction industry.

£15,500 a year.

Loughton, Essex (IG10 3FL).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Plasterer

Training and Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.

This is a full plastering course, not just skimming.

The apprentice will be learning the following: mixing techniques, material- estimation handling and stick-management, defect repair, floating and beading techniques, rendering, base-coat application and scratch coats, dry-lining, jointing, levelling compounds, screeds and much more.

£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age.

King’s Lynn, Norfolk (PE34 3AH).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.

Apprentice Construction Landscaper

Training and Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.

If you love the outdoors and are interested in developing hands-on skills in landscaping, then this Essex-based business, in Chelmsford, is looking to recruit enthusiastic individuals to be part of their team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a trade while also gaining hands-on, practical experience in the construction industry.

£17,667 for your first year, and then could increase depending on your age.

Closes Sep 30, start October 5.

Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner

Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.

Successful apprentice candidates will join our first fix joinery team in putting together our proprietary timber frame.

This frame has been developed by our design team over a number of years and forms a key component of our house types.

£17,680 a year.

Epping, Essex (CM16 6LT).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.

Fencing Installer Apprentice

Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd

Looking for motivated individuals to gain hands-on, practical experience and build toward a career within a growing and dynamic field.

£17,667 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Essex (CM1 3AA).

Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.

London & The South East

Apprenticeship

Brenbar Electrical Services Ltd

Seeking an enthusiastic Level 4 quantity surveyor apprentice to join our team, supporting the quantity surveying team through various stages of a project.

£11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age.

Romford (RM3 8UR).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 15.

Site Supervisor Apprentice

Brenbar Electrical Services Ltd

Looking for a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team as a construction site supervisor apprentice, to assist the site manager with daily tasks.

Wage £11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age.

Romford (RM3 8UR).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Roberts Brothers Construction Ltd

Our bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures.

£14,722.50 to £23,809.50 a year.

Reading (RG31 6HF).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.

Groundworks Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd

Opportunity to lay the foundations of a career within construction, as part of a recognised company working on showpiece jobs such as London’s Canary Wharf.

As an apprentice, you will be on a development plan, and a career mentor will help your progression throughout your apprenticeship.

We offer a competitive salary, 20 days’ annual leave and more.

CSCS card required. £31,000 a year. London (NW10 6DZ).

Closes Sep 5, start Nov 10.

Formworker Apprenticeship

Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd

Opportunity to start a career within construction, with a recognised company working on prestige jobs such as London’s Canary Wharf.

As an apprentice, you will be on a development plan and a career mentor will support your progression.

We offer a competitive salary, 20 days’ annual leave and more. CSCS card required. £31,000 a year.

London (NW10 6DZ).

Closes Sep 5, start Oct 5.

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

Byoot Construction Ltd

Great opportunity to join our team. £16,672.50 a year.

London (W3 0TE).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Associate Project Manager

Apprentice Byoot Construction Ltd

Learn the ropes of project management, including site programs, progress reports, site inspections, cost reporting, tender analysis and monthly valuations.

£22,500 a year.

London (W3 0TE).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice

Byoot Construction Ltd

A great opportunity in the construction industry, to play an integral role within a dynamic team at Byroot.

£21,000 a year.

London (W3 0TE).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 15.

Quantity Surveyor Apprentice

Trinity Surfacing Ltd

Seeking a motivated and detail-orientated apprentice who will be part of our commercial team.

Role offers hands-on, practical experience working in the areas of cost management, contract administration, and project delivery, while also studying towards achieving a recognised qualification in quantity surveying or construction management.

£22,000 a year.

Rochester, Kent (ME3 9ND).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Business Administrator

Sunninghill Construction Co Ltd

Exciting opportunity for an apprentice to develop foundation knowledge as an apprentice, by providing administrative support to a leading marketing and business development team, whilst also studying for a business administrator Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.

£14,133.60 a year.

Haywards Heath, West Sussex (RH16 1BP).

Closes Sep 22, start date Oct 26.

Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor

Kori Construction

Award-winning contractor, and one of the fastest-growing construction companies in the UK, is offering an exciting opportunity for an apprentice to work on our Hampton project in Kingston upon Thames, South West London.

£28,812 a year.

Hampton, South West London (TW12 2AX).

Closes Sep 8, start Sep 22.

Construction Apprentice

Kori Construction

You will be working with a strong team of highly knowledgeable individuals to develop your skill set and progress your career.

In exchange for your hard work and commitment, we will provide you with a competitive salary and support you with a top-quality apprenticeship training programme.

£21,000 a year.

Hampton, South West London (TW12 2AX).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Landscaper

Bobby Brown Garden Construction Ltd

We are a small, high-end local business.

With increased demand, we are excited to provide a valuable opportunity for a young person to learn, develop skills and build a rewarding career with us.

Working typically within Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, specifically around Thame and Chinnor.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Aylesbury, Bucks (HP17 8QZ).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Construction Materials Technician

BAM Construct UK

Learn all about construction materials testing – no experience needed, just a great work ethic and willingness to get stuck in.

You’ll split your time between site and lab, working on the HS2 Project – the UK’s biggest-ever rail infrastructure development, stretching from London to the North West.

£20,000 a year.

Aylesbury, Bucks (HP18 0BX).

Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.

South West

Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)

Liam Quick Construction Ltd

You will be working alongside other builders so will also pick up experience in other home-improvement activities.

£15,704 a year.

Plymouth (PL3 5SF).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15

Carpentry Apprenticeship – Carpentry and Joinery (Level 2)

AC Construction and Carpentry Ltd

Looking for a hard-working, reliable and passionate apprentice to join an experienced team in and around Plymouth.

We are a very experienced company that has taken on many apprentices throughout the years.

We work to teach them new skills and develop the ones they already have.

£15,704 a year.

Langage Business Park, Plympton, Devon (PL7 5BG).

Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15.

Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Pathfinder Park Homes Ltd

Work under the direction and guidance of a team leader to assist in installing all aspects of plumbing and heating into new-build luxury lodges, whilst upholding safety guidelines and complying with codes and regulations.

You will be required to undertake work throughout the site.

£15,311.40 a year.

Devon (TQ12 6FJ).

Closes Sep 10, start Sep 20.

Customer Advisor

Apprenticeship B&Q – Torquay

Join our team, and you’ll become an expert advisor – an inspiration as well as a guide, the person who gets to know every customer and their home improvement projects.

Sales will be important, of course, as will things such as managing stock, setting up displays, and making sure your store looks great at all times.

£11,897 a year.

Woodland Business Park, Torquay (TQ2 8AS).

Closes Sep 18, start Sep 25.

Maintenance Apprentice (Level 2)

Rowcroft House Foundation Ltd

Our Vision is to make every day the best day possible for our patients and their families in South Devon.

Working as part of a small estates team, you will help deliver our vision by participating in the maintenance of the fabric and structure of all the hospice buildings, as well as contributing to various ongoing grounds maintenance work.

£14,918.80 a year.

Torquay (TQ2 5LS).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 15.

Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)

JMP Bricklaying & Building Services Ltd

Looking for an apprentice to join their team in Saltash, Cornwall.

Main duties will include applying and sealing foundations with materials that are damp- resistant, spreading and removing excess mortar, inspecting vertical and horizontal brick alignment.

£15,704 a year.

Buckfastleigh, Devon (TQ11 0LL).

Closes Oct 31, start Nov 3.

Apprentice Bricklayer

Crestmoor Construction

Seeks an energetic apprentice to join its construction team.

Projects include bridges, retaining walls, commercial builds, and domestic works.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills to build a lasting career in the construction and civil- engineering industry.

£15,704 a year.

Wincanton, Somerset (BA9 8AP).

Closes Sep 3, start Sep 10.

Business Administration Apprentice

Planning Inspectorate

Whether you’re starting your first job, returning to work, or seeking a fresh challenge, our Level 3 apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, with support from City of Bristol College, and a welcoming team at the Planning Inspectorate.

£22,728 a year.

Bristol (BS1 6PN).

Closes Sep 7, start date Nov 3.

Roofing Apprenticeship

Heritage Building & Roofing Ltd

Learn to install, repair and maintain slate and tile roofs while working safely at height.

Earn as you learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills for a career in a high-demand trade with excellent progression and opportunities for self-employment.

£15,704 a year.

Bristol (BS1 5AR) and two other locations.

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Drylining Apprenticeship

Lumini Developments Ltd

Learn to install partition walls, ceilings, and interior fittings to a high standard.

Gain hands-on experience, work with a skilled team, and start a career in a growing trade with strong demand and excellent progression opportunities.

Wage £15,704 a year. Bristol (BS3 1HT) and two other locations.

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Apprentice Groundworker

C&R Construction

Learn to prepare sites, dig foundations, lay drainage and handle materials safely.

Gain hands-on experience, work as part of a skilled team and build a career in a high-demand trade with progression opportunities.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Crediton, Devon (EX17 6AX).

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Apprentice Roofer

Deelis Roofing Ltd

You will learn about how to install, repair and maintain slate and tile roofs while working safely at height.

Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills for a career in a high-demand trade that offers excellent career progression opportunities.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Taunton, Somerset (TA1 5NF).

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor

CoTrain

This apprenticeship is a springboard for anyone wishing to progress into construction quantity surveying.

Assisting senior managers with the budgeting of construction projects, as well as control of costs.

£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age.

Gosport (PO12 2HE).

Closes Sep 4, star Sep 15.

Apprentice Groundworker

Morcom Construction Ltd

Morcom are offering an exciting opportunity to join their dynamic team as an apprentice Gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to kick-start your career as a groundworker.

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

Sites across Cornwall. (TR15 3RD).

Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.

Apprentice Roofer

Greenlight Group

Established in 2009, Greenlight Group has been in operation for more than 15 years, supplying safety consultancy and safety assessment services to an ever-growing roster of clients.

Your apprenticeship would be based in Bristol, and you should apply for this role if you are interested in a long-term career as a roofing specialist.

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.

(BS3 2EB)

Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.

Wales

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Kaisaian Electrical Ltd

Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations and maintenance (reactive and planned), electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermo-graphic surveys and lightning and surge protection.

Pay will be at apprenticeship rates.

Cardiff.

Closes Sep 15, possible start Sep 22.

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Jones & Jones Electrical

Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations and maintenance (reactive & planned) electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermographic surveys, and lightning and surge protection.

Pay is at apprenticeship rates.

Trebanos, Neath Port Talbot (SA8 4DW).

Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Oasis Software Solutions (OSS)

Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations, electrical maintenance (reactive and planned), electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermographic surveys and lightning and surge protection.

Wage, apprenticeship rates.

Cwmbach, Rhondda CF44 0AE.

Closes Sep 8, possible start Sep 22.

Refrigeration Engineer Trainee

UK Refrigeration Services Ltd

Work involves the installation of mechanical services to sites and supermarkets.

Pay is national minimum wage.

Swansea, SA6 8QW.

Closes Dec 1, possible start Dec 2.

Scaffolding Apprentice

MAC Scaffolding (Cardiff) Ltd

Join one of the largest and most trusted independent scaffolding companies in Wales.

For 40 years, MAC Scaffolding has been a leading supplier of access scaffolding solutions across the UK.

Career-path progression from Part One trainee to Part Two scaffolder and advanced scaffolder.

You will be working on projects of varying sizes and complexities.

Wage, national minimum wage.

Cardiff (CF11 8TY).

Closes Sep 30, possible start Oct 10.

Scotland

Freight Logistics Apprentice

Microcom Training

We are expanding our team and have created a junior role suited to a recent school or college leaver.

This is an Apprentice Warehouse Operative role where you will be trained to pick computer generated orders and maintain high levels of health and safety; working across different areas of the business to enhance your knowledge and skills whilst providing excellent customer service and operating within a safe working environment, ensuring complete legal compliance.

£14,723 per year.

Newbridge, near Edinburgh (EH28 8LQ).

Closes Sep 19, start date to be determined.

Warehousing and Trade Counter Apprentice

Microcom Training

We are a well-known and established Builders Merchants.

We are growing our team and have an opportunity to recruit an apprentice to support our warehouse and counter staff.

Work involves receiving and checking in of goods, checking and loading a delivery van, putting goods into stock and generally keeping the store tidy, recording stock, recording missing/damaged items, counter service at peak times, laying out customer orders, and keeping an eye on stock levels. £14,134 per year.

Dalry, North Ayrs (KA24 5DZ).

Closes Sep 19, start to be determined.

Health, Safety and Environmental

Apprentice/Trainee

JB Management Ltd

Gain hands-on experience in creating a safe, compliant and proactive workplace.

You’ll be involved in risk assessments, safety checks and incident investigations, while learning from experienced professionals in a fast-paced industry.

Perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong communication skills, and a passion for safety.

£20,800 to £25,397 per year.

Kilmarnock, East Ayrs (KA12 8AS).

Closes Sep 2, start to be determined.

Apprentice Panel Technician

FMG Repair Services

Earn while you learn with an apprenticeship that will see you work full-time in a garage workshop and gain a SCQF in vehicle body repair.

In this role, you will be trained to repair vehicle damage to an exacting standard.

£15,311 to £16,224 a year.

Dundee (DD5 3RU).

Closes Sep 19, start immediate.

Service Engineer Apprentice

JWF Process Solutions Ltd

During this apprenticeship you will attend college part-time, while also gaining experience from working closely with experienced engineers.

You will undertake calibration, servicing, testing, maintenance and repair work covering a wide range of instrumentation equipment.

£13,800 to £15,800 per year.

Glasgow (G41 1HJ).

Closes Sep 30, start to be determined.

Light Vehicle Mechanic

Armit’s Autos

Work toward achieving a Level 7 Scottish Vocational Qualification in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Learn the skills you need to be a fully qualified light vehicle diagnostic technician.

£15,312.

Broxburn, near Edinburgh (EH52 5NN).

Closes Sep 12, start to be determined.

AN EASYJET cabin manager has lost an appeal after being sacked for calling female co-workers “lovely ladies”.

Ross Barr was fired for gross misconduct after crew members and passengers logged multiple complaints about his inappropriate behaviour.

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He had worked for the airline for eight years, and defended his actions as “flirty banter”.

Mr Barr also claimed he was discriminated against or his sexual orientation, alleging it would have been accepted if “a gay colleague” have made the same remarks.

The former cabin manager appealed the decision to let him go at an employment tribunal, but lost.

Mr Barr began working at easyJet in 2014 and became a cabin manager in 2017.

He was hauled into a disciplinary hearing in 2022 and issued a final warning after a sexual harassment complaint.

More allegations of a similar nature were recorded against him in both 2023 and last year.

Customers also claimed he would refer to his team as “lovely ladies” over the PA system.

Passengers further reported he used the tannoy as an opportunity to perform his own comedy routines rather that conduct proper safety briefings.

Mr Barr had confessed to telling a stewardess “oh I have just brushed past your boobs” as he moved past her.

He was also overheard telling another cabin crew member on a separate flight: “I’m not doing anything.. I’m just staring at your ass.”

The comment was made in front of flyers, including young children, according to witnesses.

In another complaint, one woman said: “The entire shift pretty much he was talking about sex or making jokes about it.

“He explained that he had been suspended before due to a speak up speak out that someone previously put in against him because ‘all I said was that her tits would get bigger if she got pregnant, and guess what they did’.

“She also said that he had referred to her and another crew member as his ‘much more attractive colleague’.”

A different complaint was logged after he told a staff member “having a problem trying to stuff it in? Bet you’ve never had that problem”, while she was packing a bag.

Mr Barr argued he did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable and dubbed his comments “banter”.

He was sacked in September 2024 after the hearing but appealed the decision.

The former easyJet worker argued his case had been tainted by previous hearings.

But employment Judge Muriel Robison ruled: “As the cabin manager you are in a position of trust and I feel there has been a breakdown in trust in relation to these situations, you should conduct yourself in a manner that ensures your crew feel safe onboard the aircraft.

“This is not the first time you have been in this situation with regard to your conduct and comments made to female crew members.

“You raised that you were treated differently compared to others under similar circumstances due to your protected characteristics.

“My investigation did not uncover any evidence to substantiate this claim.

“It’s my belief the process followed was consistent and fair, and you were not treated any differently to your colleagues.

“On 19 March, 2024, you successfully completed training that included a thorough focus on diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace.

“Despite this, your continued behaviour demonstrated a failure to uphold the values and principles outlined in this training.”

This comes after we reported how a mum was left furious after a British Airways flight attendant allegedly lifted her nursing blanket while she was breastfeeding her seven-month-old daughter.

Passenger Shayanne Wright made a sexual harassment complaint against the male host and said the incident left her feeling “violated.”

A British Airways spokesperson confirmed the allegations were being investigated and said the airline “have been in contact with our customer directly to resolve the matter”.

Wright said the airline did not apologise to her, however offered a $250 gift card, later increased to $1000.

BRITAIN’S top sprotscar manufacturer is axing more than 500 jobs from its UK headquarters.

Half of the brand’s current workforce is facing the sack with president Trumps controversial tariffs said to have played a major role in the shock announcement.

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Lotus is reported to be sacking half the workforce at its factory and HQ at Hethel near Wymondham, Norfolk.

The surprise move is said to be part of a major restructuring within the firm.

A spokesman for Lotus, owned by Chinese giant Geely, confirmed that the job losses highlighted “rapid changes in global policies including tariffs”.

It comes after Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had a meeting with Lotus bosses earlier this year.

Reynolds said afterwards he was reassured that the manufacturer was committed to the UK despite rumours that it was considering moving production to the US or Poland.

The firm said at the time it had “no plans to close the factory”, but added: “We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.”

It is understood that Lotus had a meeting with local MPs and councillors to explain its restructuring plans and outline the job cuts.

The shocking move is expected to be finalised in December with up to 500 workers now facing the boot.

Lotus said it would also look at increasing integration across the wider Lotus group as part of the shake up.

A spokesperson said the firm “remains fully committed to the UK”, with Norfolk remaining the home of its sports car, motorsports and engineering consulting operations.

South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough said it was a “very difficult day for Lotus and for many families in our community.”

He said he would be on hand to support workers affected by the sweeping cuts.

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Maputo, Mozambique – Down the main aisle of a bustling conference pavilion in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, Lucia Matimele stands surrounded by lush green leaves, peppers on the stalk, and bunches of ripe bananas.

“We have land, we have water, we have farmers!” she enthuses. “What we need is investment.”

Matimele is the director of industry and commerce for Gaza province, a region about 200km (125 miles) away that is one of the country’s main breadbaskets. She and her team packed up some of their most promising crops and joined thousands of others – from within and outside Mozambique – to exhibit their wares and make industry connections as the government works to promote economic growth and development in what has been a politically challenging year.

More than 3,000 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries are in Mozambique this week for the 60th annual Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM) – the largest of its kind in the country. Tens of thousands are expected to attend the seven-day event, the government said.

Crowds of exhibitors and eager attendees gathered at the sprawling conference site on the outskirts of Maputo for day one of the event on Monday. A dozen pavilions are hosting local businesses, provincial industry leaders, such as Matimele, and regional and international companies looking to trade in or with Mozambique.

Standing before delegates and businesspeople at the opening ceremony, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo focused on the need to ensure a good environment for foreign investors, while also building an inclusive and sustainable local economy.

“Mozambique has a geostrategic location, with ports, development corridors and various other potentialities; vast resources, mineral, natural, agricultural, tourist, and above all a humble, hard-working, friendly and welcoming people,” Chapo said in Portuguese, highlighting the country’s “unique opportunities” for international partners.

But at home, he affirmed, “economic independence starts with agriculture workers, farmers, the youth, women – all of us together”.

With that in mind, the government, with financing from the World Bank, has instituted a new $40m Mutual Guarantee Fund to help finance small and medium enterprises in the country. It will provide credit guarantees to at least 15,000 businesses and aims to assist mainly women and young people, the president said.

“One of the concerns we hear repeatedly at all the annual private sector conferences is the difficulty in accessing financing,” Chapo said while launching the fund at FACIM on Monday.

“We know that high interest rates have been almost insurmountable barriers for small- and medium-sized businesses, which represent the heart of the national business fabric, hence the creation of this fund, specifically dedicated to this group of companies, because they are responsible for 90 percent of the dynamism of our economy, generating income mainly for young people.”

He added: “This instrument is not just a financial mechanism, it is a bridge to the recovery of the Mozambican economy.”

‘We can feed our people best’

Mozambique has “ample resources”, the World Bank says, including arable land, abundant water sources, energy, mineral resources and natural gas deposits.

However, its gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2025 is projected to be just 3 percent (it was 1.8 percent in 2024 and 5.4 percent in 2023).

Experts point to a raft of challenges facing the Southern African nation: for years it was besieged by a $2bn “hidden debt” corruption scandal that implicated senior government officials; it is still recovering from post-2024 election protests that affected tourism; and it faces an ongoing rebellion by armed fighters in the northern Cabo Delgado province, home to offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) reserves.

The armed rebellion has halted TotalEnergies’ $20bn LNG project, and, with it, put added strain on the region’s finances and near-future economic prospects, noted Borges Nhamirre, a Mozambican researcher on security and governance with the Institute for Security Studies.

“The economy of Mozambique was prepared for the next 20, 30 years to rely on natural resources … But now the most recent problem is the insurgency in the northern part of the country. So that affects the economy of Mozambique deeply,” Nhamirre said.

“And unfortunately, Mozambique did not diversify the source of revenues, did not invest in other sectors like agriculture, industry, manufacturing – relying mostly on natural gas,” he added.

“Mozambique needs to bet on producing its own food,” the researcher said, noting that it is not affordable to keep importing when the country has the potential to feed itself. “The land for agriculture is there, water is there. So, the problem is just mentality and a bit of capital.”

At her booth in one of the pavilions at FACIM, Matimele has similar thoughts. “We can feed our people best,” she said, surrounded by fresh produce from small farms in Gaza province. Across the aisle from her, another booth boasts supplies from the province of Tete: grains, seafood, vegetables, livestock; while throughout FACIM, businesses are selling locally sourced items, including coffee and honey.

In Gaza, Matimele says, people farm rice, bananas, cashews and macadamias, much of which they send abroad to countries such as South Africa and Vietnam – and she would like to increase exports and reach new places.

The challenge for them is not production, but processing and distribution, she says.

“We need big industry getting into this business,” Matimele said, adding that small farmers need guarantees that what they produce will be sold and not go to waste.

“FACIM helps us by giving us a secure market,” she explained.

Without funding, ‘you will get stuck’

For other observers, FACIM’s focus this year on investment and the Mutual Guarantee Fund are a step in the right direction, especially for small business owners in the agricultural sector.

“Agriculture is our main resource. It employs millions of people and feeds millions more,” said Rafael Shikhani, a Mozambican historian and researcher. Yet, there remains a longstanding “problem” with the sector, he noted from Maputo.

“[Historically], we have had so many breakups in that [agriculture] cycle,” he said, highlighting the 1977-92 civil war, and in the midst of that, a severe drought that hit the country from 1982 to 1984. “It was a sort of disruption to production,” he said, one that has had ripple effects.

Current challenges facing Mozambican agriculture, the researcher said, include a lack of capital for farming, as well as some people preferring to take an easier route by importing food from neighbouring South Africa to sell locally instead of growing it from scratch.

“In many areas, the funding is a key motivation,” Shikhani said. “If you don’t have funds, you can [still] start a very nice business, but there will be a certain way you will get stuck – you’ll need equipment, you’ll need to pay people, you’ll need a truck, you’ll need to put up a fence; for whatever, you will need money.”

That is where the Mutual Guarantee Fund could come in handy.

“More investment in agriculture is good,” Shikhani said. It will also help the sector evolve from individuals farming small plots of land to small and medium-sized farming businesses that make more informed choices about “the type of land, where you farm, and how you exploit your land”.

For analyst Nhamirre, the way the Chapo government goes about tackling the country’s most pressing economic issues will go a long way in determining the outcome.

But he remarks that external factors, such as the armed rebellion in the north and internal governance issues, will also play a part.

“There are internal things that the government needs to do well … The people are still very frustrated,” he said, pointing to the past year’s post-election violence, saying there is a chance protests may flare up again.

Meanwhile, Shikhani looks at the issue through a historian’s lens. “There is a cycle of crisis: if there is an economic crisis, it leads to a political crisis, and it leads to social unrest. If you deal with economics and you feed people, there will be no more social unrest, and there will be no political crisis. So, you start with economics,” he said.

“Give people food, give people jobs, give people hope – they will work and make money.”

At her booth in FACIM, Matimele and her team stand ready in matching red shirts emblazoned with the words: “Gaza, the route of progress” in Portuguese. Ahead of them is a week of networking that they hope will lead to more – more food, more jobs, more hope.

“Investment is the right way to follow,” said the provincial industry chief. “If we have investment, we can solve all the issues.”

BRITAIN’S top restaurant chains have seen profits soar by almost a fifth after replacing staff with ­self-service tills and apps.

They hit £365million at the top 100 groups this year, up from £308million in 2024.

Accountancy group UHY Hacker Young also found that turnover was up 19 per cent to £12.9billion, from £10.8billion.

It said growth had been particularly strong for the fast food and casual dining sector, with burger and steakhouse chains enjoying some of the largest turnover increases.

UHY Hacker Young partner Martin Jones said chains had been investing in technology such as touchscreen tills in fast-food outlets.

Many had also upgraded menu offerings to increase prices, as a way of boosting earnings.

He said: “While many chains are still suffering from depressed margins and weak demand, there’s enough innovation and expansion to deliver better results.”

Hospitality has been particularly hard-hit by the increase in employers’ National Insurance.

Half of all job losses since the Budget have been in that sector, according to ­analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics by UKHospitality.

It means one in every 25 jobs in pubs, hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars has been axed.

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T&C’s ARE KAFKA-ESQUE

BANKS and insurance firms need to stop writing terms and conditions that are “longer than some classic novels”, campaigners urge.

Policies on travel insurance and investment products are the worst, clocking in at 26,000 words — around the same length as Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, analysis by Fairer Finance claims.

It comes despite the financial regulator in 2023 introducing rules forcing firms to prove that customers understand such documents.

Fairer Finance said the longer the documents were, the less likely customers were to know what they mean — or to engage with them at all.

Managing director James Daley added: “The grace period is now over, and we expect the regulator to start holding companies to account.”

ENERGY CRISIS

HOUSEHOLDS cannot afford more energy price hikes, the regulator has been warned.

More than 12 million people are struggling to pay already — but Ofgem is expected to announce tomorrow a rise in the energy price cap to £1,737 from October.

Commenting on the research from York University, Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “The time for tinkering with the price cap is over.”

RENT CONS UP

RENTERS have been warned to watch out for fake landlord scams after crooks made £20million from them last year.

The average victim lost £4,711, Action Fraud said. The total haul was up by 45 per cent on the previous year.

Richard Daniels, of TSB, said: “Scammers prey on a competitive rental market with too-good-to-be-true listings that trick house- hunters into making advanced payments.”

STUDENT accommodation, colleges and disused tower blocks may replace migrant hotels as councils continue to revolt.

The move is part of Labour’s pledge to stop using hotels to house migrants by 2029,

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However, nearly 200 hotels are still in use, putting up more than 32,000 people, according to recent figures.

Labour said it no longer wants to house migrants on large sites like military bases.

Instead, it is reportedly planning to use sites which are easier to make habitable and not as expensive to refurbish.

According to Dame Angela Eagle, the minister for border security, the plan is to use “medium-sized” sites like “voided tower blocks, old teacher training colleges or old student accommodation”.

This is because the Tories’ plans to use large sites like former military bases and the Bibby Stockholm barge would be too expensive.

She said the effort of tackling “asbestos-filled buildings and poisoned land” would be too pricey.

“I think that there are different, better ways of trying to achieve this kind of service than the ones that we’ve inherited,” she said.

It comes amid an urgent appeal from the Home Office, reportedly looking for 5,000 properties to house 20,000 migrants.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is already facing the humiliation of Labour councils revolting against his government’s loathed migrant hotel policy.

Huge pressure from councils run by every political party could hasten the end of the controversial Home Office policy.

A total of 32,059 asylum seekers were being housed temporarily in UK hotels at the end of Labour’s first year in Government, up 8 per cent on the same point 12 months ago, Home Office data shows.

But authorities are poised to follow Epping Forest council in Essex after it won a High Court injunction to halt asylum accommodation.

Now, it has been revealed that asylum accommodation contractors working for the Home Office “reached out” to property specialists earlier this month, seeking 5,000 residential units, reports the Telegraph.

Insiders told the outlet that each flat would likely have two bedrooms on average, with space to house four migrants.

ASYLUM SEEKER HOTEL PROTESTS

This Bank Holiday weekend, around 30 migrant hotels are bracing for a wave of protests as campaigners are bolstered by this week’s landmark ruling.

The High Court ordered the removal of migrants from the hotel in Essex, which has become the face of the row over asylum seeker accommodation.

It was the centre of protests after a migrant being housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl – which he denies.

Several other demonstrations cropped up around the UK as communities rebelled against the migrant hotels in their area.

It is understood that there is a fresh wave of protests – at least 27 – planned outside of hotels this Bank Holiday weekend.

However anti-racism groups have warned towns and cities could experience the most disruption since last year’s summer riots.

Councils are also pushing back, following the lead of Epping Forest Council, which argued for the hotel to be closed to reduce the threat of “violent protests” and for the safety of those living nearby.

Mr Justice Eyre ruled the owners may have breached planning rules by housing migrants rather than paying customers.

The Home Office argued that granting this application risks “acting as an impetus for further violent protests”.

The High Court ruling threatens Labour’s asylum seeker plans, as more and more councils express an intention to follow suit.

If more councils take action, ministers are unsure where more than 30,000 people in hotel rooms would live.

However Brighton and Hove City Council refused to launch a legal bid, saying it was a “proud city of sanctuary” and will continue to welcome and support asylum seekers.

Jacob Taylor, the local authority’s deputy leader, said “We will not comment on the location of hotels being used by the Home Office to provide temporary accommodation to people seeking asylum.

“I believe to do so in the current climate is irresponsible and risks causing division and unrest in our communities at a time when more than ever we need to bring people together.”

While some county councils will push for the closures, the legal steps to challenge the use of hotels falls to district and borough councils.

The Local ­Government Association called on the Home Office to work “much more closely” with ­authorities on asylum accommodation decisions.

The Home Office is scrambling to find accommodation for up to 138 men housed in the Bell Hotel in Epping before the September 12 deadline to empty it.

Pressed to give details of these contingency options, Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis said: “With respect, the legal judgment was only handed down yesterday.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has written to Yvette Cooper to demand that those in the Bell Hotel are not moved to apartments, houses in multiple occupation, or social housing which is “much needed for British people”.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office – which has a legal obligation to provide accommodation to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute – can move people to alternatives such as hotels and large sites, like former military bases.

Amid hotel protests, campaigners including Rape Crisis and Refuge have warned conversations about violence against women and girls are being “hijacked by an anti-migrant agenda” which they argued fuels divisions and harms survivors.

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RECORD NUMBERS OF MIGRANTS

It comes after it was revealed that a record number of people claimed asylum in the UK in the last year – with a massive 32,000 currently living in taxpayer-funded hotels.

Home Office data shows that 111,000 people claimed asylum in the year ending June 2025 up 14 per cent on last year.

It is higher than the previous recorded peak of 103,000 which was set in 2002.

The number of people claiming asylum in this country has almost doubled since 2021.

And just under half of all those applying for protection in the UK are granted it at the initial decision stage – 48 per cent.

It is lower than in 2022 when 77 per cent of those applying were given the green light.

Half of all those came via irregular routes – such as on a small boat or in the back of a lorry – while 37 per cent claimed asylum after previously arriving on a valid visa.

In the year up to March, the UK was the fifth biggest recipient of asylum seekers in the UK after Germany, Spain, Italy and France.

The sky-high figures come as the number of migrants being housed in hotels has INCREASED since Labour came into power.

A total of 32,059 asylum seekers were being housed in hotels at the end of Labour’s first year in Government up 8 per cent on the same point 12 months ago.

Around 210 hotels are currently open across the UK despite Labour’s manifesto pledge to end their use.

In the year to June, the top five nationalities of people arriving in Dover were Afghan, Eritrean, Iranian, Syrian and Sudanese.

RESIDENTS in a historic city have been left fuming after a granite cobbled street was ripped up and repaired with a blob of tarmac.

Emergency repair work to fix a water leak in Canterbury, Kent, resulted in the ripping up of granite setts, locals say.

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One section in Burgate Street has now been replaced with black asphalt – which has been described as a mess by disgruntled residents.

Clive Bowley, 73, from the Canterbury Society says he heard about the unappealing repairs last week after complaints from other locals.

The resident, who works as an architect restoring historic buildings, says it is becoming a pattern in the town with other traditional streets also seeing tarmac patches.

He said: “It was brought to our attention by people complaining. I just thought ‘oh not again.’ It was depressing.

“The problem is that service engineers have to go in to do necessary work and they don’t reinstate the ground properly afterwards.

“There is just a great big patch replaced by tarmac. It is a bit of a mess really. They have done a botched job.”

Photos show several repairs across the city centre, which has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Clive, who has lived in Canterbury for over 40 years, says that if these streets aren’t restored soon then the historic feel will be ruined.

Clive said: “It is all about civic pride really. If things are botched up then it looks a mess and seems like people don’t care. It gradually will look more and more scruffy as time goes on.

“Burgate is one of the streets that leads down into the heart of a historic area. So, all that end of town is a conservation area and is of special heritage interest.

“If they are not put right in due course the town will gradually become a pit of all sorts of patches.”

Clive claims that he has complained to Kent County Council about the tarmac, and that they have claimed it will be fixed soon.

However, he says that many locals believe the unique road materials are now in landfill- and they feel that repairs will be impossible.

He said: “The council said that they would press the water company to do it properly. But similar things have happened around the town that were never fixed- so we are a little skeptical.

“The other concern is that they have dug up all these specialist materials and we don’t know what has happened to them. If the granite setts are thrown away, then we won’t be able to get more because they are unique.

“Every material used is unique, so you can’t just go to the builders’ merchants and buy more. My skeptical nature suggests that they probably dumped them.”

The water mains repairs were completed by South East Water, who insist that this quick fix is only temporary, and say that they will begin restoration next week.

Nick Bell, of South East Water, said: “We’re sorry to customers in the Canterbury area who have been left upset at the current appearance of the interim surface laid following urgent repairs to the burst water main in Burgate.

“This is not the finished reinstatement, but our priority was to backfill the excavation quickly to allow the road to be reopened, rather than prolonging the road closure.

“We have ordered the necessary materials to complete the permanent reinstatement, which involves re-setting the granite cobbles to their original condition.

“We will be carrying out this work from Thursday, 28 August, and we’ll work as quickly as possible to minimise the impact locally and restore the road to its original condition.”

A spokesman for Kent County Council said that the emergency works were to fix a leak, with the need to reopen the road as quickly as possible.

But the authority says the company is obliged to reinstate the road to its original surface within six months.

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A WOMAN who moved from a council estate to a “posh” house has admitted she wasn’t prepared for her nightmare neighbour.

TerriAnn is famous for appearing on TV show Rich House, Poor House, and regularly shares behind the scenes tales from the show on her social media pages.

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In a recent TikTok, she decided to post a story time of “coming from a council estate and moving to a ‘POSH’ area”, as she recalled acclimatising to the new home, and an unfortunate situation with their neighbour.

Calling it her “dream home”, which came complete with a cinema room and bar, TerriAnn said the real problems began when she spent £40,000 building a home office in her garden.

“Then I had a new neighbour and he was a doctor and he wasn’t very nice,” she said.

“I think personally he could not stand the fact like I’m just me – I’m not posh, I’m just me, I’ll never change.

“I’ll always be from a council estate, always a bit rough and ready… and he just couldn’t stand us.”

While the house had a “massive drive” for all her staff to park on, they all arrived for work at different times, meaning that they ended up blocking each other in.

So they instead decided to park on the street.

And following one of her staff having an argument with the neighbour, the man ended up phoning the council to complain.

“Then when council got involved basically the reason I had to move out of the house is because they said I couldn’t run my business from there,” she said.

“So I’d spent £40,000 on this office being built in the back garden and the council turned around and said you’re using your property as a commercial property.

“There was a massive hoo-ha over it anyway and I thought, I’m not staying here and not being able to run my business.

“It’s just not worth it what we’ve invested.”

So they decided to sell the house – making a profit in the process – and then moved to another home, which was the one that featured in Rich House, Poor House.

Concluding the video, TerriAnn said it wasn’t the first time she’d been discriminated against for coming from a council estate – and it probably won’t be the last.

“I think they look down on people who have turned their life around, who are now living that lifestyle – who are doing it by genuine means, who are earning legitimate money.”

She was quickly praised in the comments section for her refreshing attitude, with one writing: “Love to see my own kind of people getting along in life good on you.

“Sounds like the doctor was very bitter and jealous of you!”

“You hit the nail on the head,” another agreed.

“As long as you’re happy now!” a third said.

“Love your story times, you’re so real,” someone else added.

FEARS are growing that Rachel Reeves could slap a new tax on people’s homes to replace stamp duty and council tax.

The Chancellor is studying plans for a levy on houses worth over £500,000, according to The Guardian.

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The paper said the Treasury is looking at a “proportional property tax” which would be paid when owners sell their homes.

It claimed the shake-up could also pave the way for a new local levy to replace council tax, which is still based on 1990s property values.

But Treasury officials last night insisted that while tax reform is being explored, the details – including any threshold or rate – have not been decided.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “The best way to strengthen public finances is by growing the economy – which is our focus.

“Changes to tax and spend policy are not the only ways of doing this, as seen with our planning reforms, which are expected to grow the economy by £6.8bn and cut borrowing by £3.4bn.

“We are committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible, which is why at last Autumn’s Budget, we protected working people’s payslips and kept our promise not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of Income Tax, employee National Insurance, or VAT.”

The Sun reported yesterday that homeowners would be forced to hand over £82,000 to the taxman thanks to Reeves’ inheritance tax raid.

Inheritance tax is charged on all assets above the £325,000 threshold, which is called the nil-rate band.

Anything above this threshold is charged at 40%, but your tax-free allowance rises by £175,000 if you leave your home to a direct descendant, such as a son, daughter or grandchild.

Currently, pension pots are exempt from inheritance tax – but this will all change from April 2027, when they will suddenly be subject to the 40% levy, following a tax grab announced in last year’s October Budget.

The change is expected to increase the number of estates paying death duties from 4% to 9.7%, dragging thousands of people into the tax net.

New analysis by Quilter shows that grieving families could face a nasty bill sting following the changes.

FORMER University students could be owed £1,000s in overpaid loans – here is how to check if you can get a refund.

In the last tax year, over one million third level education leavers overpaid their student loans, according to figures released by the Student Loans Company (SLC). 

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But there are a number of reasons you may have been overcharged on your loan.

According to MoneySavingExpert, this includes beginning to repay the loan during some months, despite not earning enough in the full year.

You are only required to pay your loan back once your income exceeds a certain annual threshold.

This varies depending on what type of plan you were on when you started university. There are five plans in total.

For example, those on Plan 1, who attended university between 1998-2011 are required to earn a minimum of £26,065 before they begin paying back their loan.

Minimum earnings thresholds vary from plan to plan, with those on Plan 2 who attended university between 2021-22 being required to earn £28,470 before they start making repayments.

The blog said that if your earnings vary throughout the year, i.e. if you received a bonus, this could lead you to start making repayments before you are actually required to.

Another reason you may have overpaid is if you were put on the wrong plan.

This can happen if you filled in the student loan section of the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) starter checklist form wrong.

You can check which plan you are on by visiting the Gov.uk website.

Alternatively, you may be overcharged if you began repaying your loan too early or you had money deducted after the loan was fully repaid.

How to get a refund if you have overpaid

If you think you have been overcharged, you can get the money back and there a few ways you can go about this.

The blog said that former students who began repaying the loan despite not meeting the earnings thresholds can request a refund online.

This is done via the government’s Student Loan Company (SLC) online portal.

To do this, you will need to sign in to your online repayment account and select ‘request a refund’.

Once you’ve requested a refund through your online account, it will be processed in 28 days.

The money will get paid into your bank account.

It is also worth nothing that this only applies for tax years up to 2023-24.

More ways to claim

Alternatively, students can speak to their employer or call the SLC.

This may be applicable if you entered the wrong plan when filling out an HMRC starter form.

Ahead of your call, you can check what plan you are on in your online account and download an ‘active plan type letter”.

You can call on 0300 100 0611 to discuss the matter with the SLC.

You can also call the helpline if you began repaying your loan too early.

The MSE blog said: “When you get through, explain your situation and ask to reclaim the money you’re owed.

“To make the process smoother, before ringing see if you can dig out any old payslips, your payroll number, and/or your PAYE reference number.”

There is no restriction on how far back you can claim, so if you think you may have been affected years ago you can still ring up.

If you had money deducted after the loan was fully repaid, HMRC should pay you back this money automatically, 

Readers of the blog have claimed back as much as £3,773 by using these methods.

One said: “Thank you so much. I knew something wasn’t right when I lodged my tax returns and reading Martin’s article was the catalyst for a sustained attempt to work out what had happened. I received £3,773 back.”

While another said the process only took 15 minutes.

They explained: “I spent 15 minutes on the phone and got £555 back for overpayments on my student loan.

“Most was because of my maternity leave. Thanks so much, couldn’t have come at a better time.”

How student loan plans work

If you wish to attend university you may take out a loan to help cover the costs.

The loan is paid directly to the university or college on your behalf.

Repayments start from the first April after you finish or leave your course.

You repay 9% of your income above the repayment threshold.

This means that the majority or basic-rate taxpayers lose 37p for every £1 they earn above the threshold – 20p as income tax, 8p as national insurance and 9p for a student loan.

Your repayment threshold will vary depending on when you studied at university.

Interest is charged on your loan from the day you receive the first payment until it is repaid in full.

EUROPE’S car industry is “heading at full speed against a wall” and risks collapsing if the EU doesn’t rethink its ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the boss of a huge car firm has warned.

In a stark intervention, he said a “reality check” was needed before the 2035 ban on combustion-engine sales is locked in.

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Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius told German business paper Handelsblatt: “We need a reality check. Otherwise, we are heading at full speed against a wall.

“Of course, we have to decarbonise, but it has to be done in a technology-neutral way. We must not lose sight of our economy.”

The luxury brand — once gung-ho about going fully electric in Europe — has already dropped its ambitious 2021 pledge to stop selling combustion cars “where market conditions allow” by the decade’s end.

Källenius, who also heads the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), now warns the EU’s policy could trigger a last-minute rush for petrol and diesel cars before the cut-off, which “doesn’t help the climate at all.”

Electric cars remain far from dominating the market.

In the first half of this year, EVs made up just 17.5 per cent of sales across the EU, UK, and EFTA countries, while plug-in hybrids took 8.7 per cent.

Traditional hybrids accounted for 35 per cent, but that figure includes mild-hybrids, which critics say aren’t “true” hybrids.

Mercedes’ own figures show EV sales slipping — just 8.4 per cent of its global deliveries in the first six months of 2025, down from 9.7 per cent last year.

Even with plug-ins included, electrified models made up just 20.1 per cent of shipments.

The EU’s 2035 ban is due for review in the coming months, but Brussels has so far signalled no U-turn, reiterating in March its commitment to zero-emission new cars by the mid-2030s.

It comes as the boss of Stellantis — the giant behind 14 brands including Fiat, Peugeot, and Maserati — warned that unreachable EU CO2 targets could force plant closures.

Europe chief Jean-Philippe Imparato said the Franco-Italian group faces fines of up to €2.5 billion within “two-three years” if it fails to meet emissions rules.

Without a regulatory rethink by year-end, “we will have to make tough decisions,” he told a conference in Rome.

“I have two solutions: either I push like hell (on electric)… or I close down ICE (internal combustion engine vehicles).

And therefore I close down factories,” he said, pointing to the risk for sites such as Stellantis’ van plant in Atessa, Italy.

The warning comes amid fresh turmoil for Stellantis, with its new CEO Antonio Filosa inheriting the fallout from Donald Trump’s 25 per cent US import tariffs and a crisis at Maserati, which has seen sales plunge from 26,600 in 2023 to 11,300 last year.

With EV targets biting, petrol and diesel models under threat, and luxury brands cancelling investments — including Maserati’s £1.3bn electric MC20 Folgore — Europe’s car bosses are sending a clear signal to Brussels: ease off, or risk slamming the brakes on the continent’s auto industry.

Aug. 12 (UPI) — Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner nominee E.J. Antoni has suggested suspending monthly jobs reports in favor of more accurate quarterly reports.

The economist criticized the current methods used by the BLS to gauge employment numbers in the United States in an Aug. 4 interview with Fox News Digital that was reported on Tuesday.

“How on Earth are businesses supposed to plan, or how is the [Federal Reserve] supposed to conduct monetary policy, when they don’t know how many jobs are being added or lost in our economy?” Antoni said.

“It’s a serious problem that needs to be fixed immediately,” he added.

Instead of continuing to publish what he called flawed monthly jobs reports that undergo significant adjustments months later, Antoni favors publishing more accurate quarterly reports.

That would continue until the BLS can correct data-gathering methods and ensure more accurate monthly reports, he said.

“Major decision-makers from Wall Street to D.C. rely on these numbers,” Antoni said. “A lack of confidence in the data has far-reaching consequences.”

Antoni is the lead economist for the Heritage Foundation, and President Donald Trump said he will ensure accuracy in the BLS jobs reports.

“Our economy is booming,” Trump said Monday evening in a Truth Social post. “E.J. will ensure the numbers released are honest and accurate.”

Trump on Aug. 1 fired former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after the BLS reported 73,000 new jobs in July, which was less than half of the 147,000 jobs reported in June.

The BLS on Aug. 1 revised down the June report to 14,000 jobs created, which is 133,000 and 90.5% fewer than initially reported.

The BLS also revised downward its prior employment report for May, which initially was reported as 144,000 new jobs, to 19,000.

The revised May jobs report is 125,000 fewer than initially reported, which is a change of 87%.

Trump accused McEntarfer of knowingly producing false jobs reports shortly before the Nov. 5 election that reflected well upon the Biden administration but later were revised to remove 818,000 jobs.

President Joe Biden nominated McEntarfer to lead the BLS in July 2023, which the Senate confirmed in January 2024.

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Richard Madeley is among names remaining in roles on ITV programmes, like Good Morning Britain, despite a huge cull this summer – a bloodbath which will see more than 200 off-screen roles cut

Backroom staff at ITV are reportedly “furious” to see “the little people get the boot” in favour of “the big names” amid the broadcaster’s bloodbath.

ITV is making huge changes to its daytime programming, and is axing more than 200 off-screen roles as a result. Good Morning Britain is merging with ITV News, but all of their top presenters – who include Susanna Reid, Richard Madeley, Julie Etchingham and Tom Bradby – will remain in post for now at least, it is said.

Madeley, 69, penned a short-term deal to remain in his position for six more months at least. It is understood Kate Garraway is safe – as is presenter Adil Ray, who looked set to be axed. Instead, insiders say his shifts will be cut. Yet, ITV was brutal to axe Noel Edmonds’ big TV comeback after just one series despite its huge launch.

And the daytime cuts primarily affect tireless production staff, who work off screen. The consultation period, which will determine who will be the victims of these brutal financial cuts, has been underway for some months and employees are said to be angry with the situation.

READ MORE: Frank Grimes dead: Coronation Street actor dies after short illnessREAD MORE: The Chase’s Shaun Wallace surprises followers with move away from ITV show

One insider told Mail Online: “All the big names are staying while the little people get the boot. It is horrendous. You’d think if you wanted to save a big lump of cash you could get rid of some of the presenters. There are loads of them. But no, instead they’ve all been told they are safe.”

For now, everyone on Good Morning Britain and ITV News will continue their separate shows. This Morning’s presenters will also stay in situ. In response to this, he insider added: “The cuts will fall to those who earn pennies in comparison. When this was all announced, we thought some of the stars would go – and rightfully so. Some of them are rubbish. Rather than there being three or four backstage workers doing a certain job, there will be one – but there will still be loads of presenters.” The source did not identify names when using the word “rubbish”.

ITV has always said it has to slash costs. Some onscreen journalists are also facing the axe in a bid to balance the books, but it is thought none of the mainstay hosts are affected.

One presenter told Mail Online: “It’s awful to see, awful. These people work so hard and they’ve still lost their jobs. And where are they going to go?… The industry is getting smaller and smaller for production staff.”

Loose Women and Lorraine have also been decimated by the cuts, with presenters on the former facing the prospect of only being aired for 30 weeks a year. Lorraine, too, is going from 52 weeks a year to 30, as well as being cut back from an hour to just half an hour in transmission time.

LYING in bed at night 68-year-old Melanie O’Reilly lay awake worrying about how she couldn’t afford to quit her £23,500 a year, 37.5-hour a week job working in a call centre. 

She was £13,000 in debt and knew she couldn’t afford to pay the £500 a month repayments to the bank – but she was desperately unhappy in her job.

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Her days were spent fielding angry calls from Hounslow residents complaining about council tax and housing benefit. 

She had moved from South Africa to England in September 2019 with no savings but found a job quickly due to her past career in office furniture sales. 

However, the pandemic hit and in October 2020 she was made redundant before struggling to find a job at a call centre in the local council in Hounslow, West London in February 2022. 

“I couldn’t stand it anymore. I was sitting there most days in full-blown migraine feeling like I had sandpaper in my eyes, until I couldn’t see the screen anymore,” Melanie, now 69, said.

“I had been very good at my job in South Africa, and I was excellent at sales.”

“Suddenly I was being micromanaged by a 26-year-old, who would count how many times I went to the toilet in a day, and tell me off if I took 31 seconds on a call instead of 30 seconds.

“The staff turnover was ridiculously high and it started to affect my physical and mental health.”

Melanie, who had previously worked as an insurance PA in London before the move to South Africa, was utterly fed up, and knew she had to retire – but had no idea how she could do so with her mounting debt.

She had lent her son and daughter-in-law, who had also moved to the UK, money for a deposit on a home in Colne, Lancashire – but then disaster struck. 

Suddenly her daughter-in-law was made redundant shortly after they had their first child, meaning they couldn’t pay Melanie back as quickly as they’d planned. 

Melanie was also dealing with the financial fall out of splitting from her partner and she took out a £15,000 personal loan and she had mounting credit card debt of £3,000. 

Worryingly one in three people approaching retirement now have debt, with the average over-65 borrower owing £17,000, according to Money Wellness. 

Financial anxiety among the 65 to 74 age group has more than doubled since 2021.

“I had the personal loan, but I was not behind in my payments and I just knew, ‘I’ve got to leave. I have to retire.

“If I don’t, I am going to have a breakdown’,” Melanie said. 

“I decided to retire and I did, in April 2024. I called up Lloyds Bank and I said, ‘I’ve got this personal loan with you and I know that a few months from now I’m going to end up not being able to pay you.’

“I knew I had to take preventative measures before I got behind in any of my payments.

“I was hugely concerned about how to get Lloyds Bank to agree to a reduced monthly payment. 

“I knew I couldn’t pay them back £500 a month, and I knew they wouldn’t negotiate a new loan with me because I was unemployed, as I was now retired with no real income.”

Lloyds put Melanie in touch with Money Wellness, one of the largest providers of debt advice and debt solutions in the UK.

Money Wellness provides free, confidential support to anyone struggling with money or debt, with support available online 24/7 or over the phone, so people can get help in the way that suits them best.

Melanie still owed £13,000 of the £15,000 personal loan. She called Money Wellness, and they asked her to draw up an income and expense statement.

Advisors went through her statement in detail, making allowances for everything from clothing to haircuts, and calculating how much she could afford to pay back each month to help Melanie put a debt management plan in place.

“They were so empathetic and professional,” Melanie explains.  

“We revised the budget down to a manageable figure that I could pay Lloyds Bank back and by the end of it, it felt like this was too good to be true.

“They took the burden of negotiations off my shoulders and it was all done seamlessly for me without me having to worry about anything.”

The adviser told Melanie that they would negotiate the figure she had to pay back directly with Lloyds Bank, to the extent of setting up a debit order.

“After the call, I sat back and wept,” Melanie remembers. 

“I was hugely concerned because when I was working at the council, I had people calling me up saying, ‘I’ve got the bailiffs at my door. They’re bashing my door down. What do I do?’

“I did not want to be in that position, and I knew that that is a reality that can and does happen.

“I did not want to go anywhere near being that person who’s got the bailiff bashing at your door. That is why I nipped it in the bud before it became a problem.”

From paying £500 a month back, Melanie now pays back £134 a month, with no added interest. 

She lives in a HMO in Burnley so she doesn’t pay utility bills or council tax and receives housing benefits and pension credit.  

Her repayments come from a small state pension, pension credit and housing benefits.

She receives £456.64 state pension, £451.56 pension credit and £368.20 housing benefit every four weeks.

She’d had to spend her small private pension on replacing her car after a car accident, and buying essentials like furniture. 

Money Wellness reviews her plan annually, adjusting the amount if her income changes.

Melanie feels positive about the future and says the debt advice she received from Money Wellness is “the best decision I ever took”.

“For so long, I’d sat with this worrisome burden, thinking ‘I need to retire but I’ve got this debt. What do I do?’ Then these angels from heaven stepped up and helped me,” she adds.

“I feel as though a mountain had been lifted off my shoulders.”